Kansas State University - Royal Purple Yearbook (Manhattan, KS)

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DRY UNION STOP-OFF Station nabs limelight with non-alcoholic drinks, dancing and deli. BY GIDGET KUNTZ The official grand opening of the Station non-alcoholic bar did not occur until Jan. 16-18. But the bar opened for student use on Nov. 26 before the rush of finals hit students and the fall semester drew to a close. The concept was conceived in 1986. A task force researched the idea and discovered students would welcome a non-alcoholic food and entertainment facility. A bid for was out by early 1990. When classes resumed last fall, students found the former Catskeller lounge boarded up in preparation for the construction of Union Station. The Catskeller had formerly been a popular study spot many students spent time in. Alongside the Catskeller a vending machines strip, an area known as the Dive, was also targeted for renovation. But as the area transformed into the Station, students found a new atmosphere with advantages they could make use of. The new space not only provided a bar and dancing area, but a new choice of food with its deli. Seating for the Station was divided into a variety of arrangements. Around the bar, tall tables and barstools were situated to look out over the dance floor and in another corner of the spacious establishment crowds could gather to view the large screen T.V. and cheer on the ' Cats. It ' s another alternative for the University community, said Union Station manager Teto Henderson. (It is) primarily for the students, but also for the University as a whole and it ' s an alternative they are choosing. Station patrons liked the variety of options available. I liked the idea of a non-alcoholic bar, a place for students to go where they don ' t have to put up with all the smoke and drinking of regular bars, said Karla Phelps, in elementary education and Station employee. Like many Manhattan area bars, the Station tried to provide the music and atmosphere that would encourage students to come in and relax for a good time. A disc jockey worked to develop a large part of the dance club atmosphere. Different nights we ' ll be programming different types of music, Henderson said. Wednesdays were planned as alternative music nights. According to Henderson, Thursday nights were being considered country nights with Union Program Council sponsored swing dance lessons night. Special nights during the semester also featured reggae and jazz. Student manager Cynthia Schmidt, graduate student in journalism and mass communications, pours a non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiri at the bar in Union (Photo by J. Kyle Wyatt) UNION STATION 27

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Union Station ' s electrical wiring system gets finishing touches from Steve Hemphill, Wamego. A three-day program of activities kicked off the Union ' s newest social offering. (Photo by J. Kyle Wyatt) Outside the main room of Union Station, Anneliese Snyder, executive director of Smith Scholarship Hall, chats with Brian Mulch, graduate student in regional and community planning. The non-alcoholic bar had its grand opening in January. (Photo by J. Kyle Wyatt) 26 UNION STATION

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Howard Levy, graduate student in fine arts, applies a coat of lacquer onto an piece. Along with painting, Levy built his frames, liners and did his own fabric work. (Photo by Brian W. Kratzer) Levy sits in front of A Lavatory Wall, West Stadium, Kansas State University, Circa 1990-1991 in his first floor studio in West Stadium. Because of the chemical fumes in the studio, Levy often wore a mask. (Photo by Brian W. Kratzer) 28 UNION ART GALLERY